Meet the finalists of the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards

The shortlist for the only Greater Manchester-wide awards recognising the outstanding contributions from our whole health and care workforce, has announced its 2025 inspiring finalists.

Now in its sixth year, the awards are organised by NHS Greater Manchester and have received a record-breaking number of nominations. These celebrate the incredible individuals and teams who work tirelessly on the frontlines and behind-the-scenes to improve the health and wellbeing of others.

This year, nearly 700 nominations were received from over 140 organisations, each highlighting an extraordinary story from our employed and unwaged workforce. Entries spanned 14 categories, including Leadership Champion, Team of the Year, and the People’s Champion which is nominated by the public in partnership with Hits Radio. Health Innovation Manchester is proud to sponsor the Innovation Award category for the sixth year running, recognising an individual or team whose ideas or innovation resulted in a positive change for others.

From colleagues who have dedicated years to working in healthcare to rising stars making great leaps at the start of their careers, the variety of nominations from all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester is inspirational.

This year’s shortlist features a mental health nurse, a volunteer motorbike mechanic for blood transport services, and a sexual health team providing essential care to vulnerable people, including asylum seekers and refugees who may face barriers to accessing health services.

Visit the GM Health and Care Champion Awards webpage to view the full shortlist. All shortlisted nominations will be considered by a judging panel and the winners announced at a special sponsored event in July.

Mark Fisher, Chief Executive, NHS Greater Manchester said: “The awards continue to be an exceptional opportunity to recognise the dedication and passion of our health and care workforce across Greater Manchester. The awards are a great reminder of the all the inspirational work our staff and local health and care organisations are doing to support our communities and the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“Congratulations to those shortlisted this year, and I look forward to celebrating alongside you at the ceremony.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “It’s fantastic to see the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards are back again for their sixth year. The variety of individuals and teams shortlisted across Greater Manchester is outstanding – from a hospital planting trees, charities helping the homeless, personal training to support mental health, and a sexual health team addressing health inequalities.

“I’m really pleased that they are getting the recognition they deserve, and I’m proud to celebrate those who are making a difference.”

Visit the GM Health and Care Champion Awards webpage for full shortlist https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/championawards/

For more information contact: gm.awards@nhs.net.

For media interviews, please contact: gmhscp.media@nhs.net.

This event is sponsored by the following organisations: Metro Moneywise Credit Union, Health Innovation Manchester, Hempsons, Hill Dickinson, Greater Manchester Primary Care Board, NHS Professionals, University of Salford, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Bolton.